The application of anthropometric indices in forensic photography: Three case studies

With increasing commercial use of video surveillance to deter crime, physic al anthropologists are becoming more involved in the forensic identificatio n of persons based on photographic evidence. Three contrasting case studies from southern Florida are presented that illustrate the utilization of con ventional anthropometry in determining the identity of suspects. In each ca se an arrested suspect and a subject videotaped during the commission of a crime are compared with respect to a series of discrete craniofacial and po st-cranial proportions. Each case analysis, is supplemented by additional d ata on earlobe structure, head and facial hair patterns, degree of chin emi nence, presence or absence of tattoos, and various aspects, of bodily dimen sions and physique including height and weight estimations.